Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint 2018: Projected odds, field

The $1 million Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint was first run in 2011 at Churchill Downs and returns to Kentucky with what is likely to be a full field of 14 to be contested at a distance of 5 ½ furlongs. 

California-based trainer Peter Miller is expected to enter a very strong contingent that includes last year’s winner Stormy Liberal and runner-up Richard’s Boy.

Below is a look at the probable runners with odds that will not balance given the field isn’t set, but instead reflect the type of price we expect each horse to go off at on race day.

The Breeders’ Cup committee will have a tough task choosing which horses from the possible list will be part of the field beyond the “Win and You’re In” qualifiers.

Bucchero, 15-1 [Kantharos – Tim Glyshaw – 30: 11-6-3 - $937,936] Returned to the winner’s circle in the Woodford Stakes (G2) at Keeneland after taking on all comers while traveling around the world. The Indiana-bred won the same race as a prep for last year’s Breeders’ Cup when he finished fourth, beaten by just a length, after a less than ideal trip.

Chanteline, 12-1 [Majesticperfection – Steve Asmussen – 26: 9-7-3 - $584,972] The winner of three of her last four starts including the Buffalo Trace Stakes (G3) at Keeneland. The 6-year-old mare is in the best form of her career, and Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen is willing to take a shot against the boys in her final career start before selling at the Keeneland November sale.

Conquest Tsunami, 10-1 [Stormy Atlantic – Peter Miller – 26: 8-4-3 - $703,411] He’s one of multiple contenders Miller expects to start in this race. In his last start he got beaten by a head at the wire by stablemate Stormy Liberal. Both of his most recent wins came on the unique 6 ½-furlong downhill turf course at Santa Anita. 

Disco Partner, 5-1 [Disco Rico – Christophe Clement – 26: 11-4-5 - $1,264,810] Disco Partner was an easy winner of the Belmont Turf Sprint. He took the same path last year when he finished third in the Breeders’ Cup. The New York-bred is fast and set a world record last year at Belmont Park for six furlongs. Trainer Christophe Clement is looking for his first victory in the World Championships after 35 tries.

Pay Any Price, 15-1 [Wildcat Heir– Georgina Baxter – 24: 15-3-0 - $551,683] This 8-year-old has won his last four starts in stakes races at Gulfstream Park, where he has made all but three of his career starts. He holds the world record in North America for five furlongs on the turf.

Rainbow Heir, 8-1 [Wildcat Heir – Jason Servis – 32: 14-4-4 - $837,395] The 8-year-old is one of three possible starters for Jason Servis. He won the Gulfstream Park Sprint back in January, went to stud in the Spring, and then returned to the races to get third in the Turf Monster. In his long career he has yet to run in the Breeders’ Cup.

Richard’s Boy, 8-1 [Idiot Proof – Peter Miller – 32: 9-9-5 - $913,055] Finished second in last year’s Breeders’ Cup beaten by just a head by his stablemate after having the lead briefly. He lost to Stormy Liberal by a nose in August at Del Mar and will run on Saturday in the California Flag at Santa Anita following a familiar path to the championships.

Stormy Liberal, 3-1 [Stormy Liberal – Peter Miller – 29: 11-8-1 - $1,368,930] He may be in the finest form of his career with three straight victories leading up to his attempt to win his second Turf Sprint in a row. This one wins at any sprint distance with his off-the-pace move. As the likely favorite this year, there will be no 30-1 odds as he was in 2017 at Del Mar.

World of Trouble, 8-1 [Kantharos – Jason Servis – 7: 4-1-1 - $333,400] The lightly raced 3-year-old has found his niche as a turf sprinter with two big wins in his two appearances on the grass. However, he will be making a significant step up in class when he tries a Grade 1 and older horses for the first time.

Possible: Alpha Delphini, Belvoir Bay, Blue Point, B Squared, Caribou Club, Corinthia Knight, El Astronaute, Fine Needle, Havana Grey, Hembree, Lady Alexandra, Ruby Notion, Vision Perfect, Will Call.